The traditional grapevine is one of the world’s most important agricultural crops. At the time of Jesus vineyards were everywhere, and practices relating to their cultivation would be familiar. In today’s Gospel Jesus emphasizes that a vine needs to be carefully tended, and that is has a living and connected structure. The vine produces fruit through the branches and the branches are dependent on the central vine. Jesus describes himself as the “true vine”. The motif of the grapevine is present in a great deal of Christian art as a metaphor of the ongoing presence of Jesus. On the mosaic floors of churches of the Byzantine period in the Holy Land and its vicinity, the grape is often seen and it is a symbol of Jesus. The love and connection between God, Jesus and our community is described in John’s Gospel using the image of the vine and the branches. The organic unity suggests a community of many people who are sharers in a single life. Union with Christ is the condition of fruitfulness. Being followers of Jesus gives our lives meaning and direction. Fruit is possible only if we are in union with Him, for He is the productive source of it all.
Our opportunity of bearing any fruit worthy of our natures and of God’s purpose concerning us is by vital union with Jesus Christ. If we don’t have that, there may be plenty of activity and mountains of work in our lives, but there will be no lasting fruit. The next time you eat a grape, reflect upon the fruits that we share in our lives because of our relationship with God. The Christian faith is an experience of being in relationship to God, to each other, and to all our family and friends. Caring and love bind us all together. And remember in this Easter season that resurrection fuels and nurtures growth, hope and love.